User Guide

490 Series Microscope
AmScope Proprietary Page 52 of 64
7. General Microscopy Guide
Microscopes come in a wide variety of types with many different features. Each
AmScope model is designed for specific uses and specific users. This glossary will help
illustrate what the variations mean and why they are useful.
Compound and Stereo Microscopes
Using a compound or a stereo microscope depends on the specimen being studied.
Compound microscopes are best for smaller
transparent specimens, like slides and biological
subjects.
Compound microscopes show a two-dimensional image
of the specimen (usually reversed and upside-down)
The common magnification range of our compound
microscopes is between 40X-1000X, could be up to
2500X. You need a minimum of 400X to study cell
structure.
Stereo microscopes are best for larger specimens you
cannot see through.
Stereo microscopes show a 3D image. Three
dimensional imaging is perfect for performing
dissections, repairing circuit boards, studying fossils
and gems or examining any specimen where you want
to use your hands.
The magnification range of our stereo microscopes is
between 2X to 225X.